Turin at your own pace: food, culture and wheelchair access tips

Turin—or Torino, as we call it in Italy—is a city that rewards curiosity and a healthy appetite. Elegant squares, long arcades and historic cafés invite you to take your time, with frequent stops for something delicious.

The famous Egyptian Museum and the Royal Palace are excellent reasons to visit. Beyond the centre, the magnificent Reggia di Venaria deserves a separate outing. But leave room between the big attractions: some of the pleasures of Turin are found over coffee, at a neighbourhood lunch table or in a tiny food shop.

I returned at the end of September for the closing event of a European project, just as Terra Madre Salone del Gusto was taking place. Beautiful venues, good company and excellent food: Turin made a persuasive case for staying longer.

A city to explore on wheels

Much of central Turin is relatively flat, making it an appealing city for exploring with a manual wheelchair, particularly with an electric add-on because there is a lot to see.

Flat, however, does not always mean smooth. Historic cobblestones, uneven paving and tram tracks can make some stretches more demanding. Powered assistance can be useful over longer distances, while the arcades offer opportunities to explore with some shelter from the weather.

Museums are generally accessible or adapted, but always worth checking: at the Royal Museums, for example, lifts provide access to much of the complex, but some areas remain inaccessible to wheelchair users and certain routes require staff assistance. A stroll along the river is also super beautiful, especially with a sunny day!

Where to stay: two different options

Hotel Campus Sanpaolo: a simple base in a residential neighbourhood

A couple of years ago, I stayed at Hotel Campus Sanpaolo, which combines student accommodation with a three-star hotel. It was among the lower-cost options suggested to participants at the Destinations for All conference, and several guests with mobility disabilities were staying there.

My experience was of a basic, practical place with good access through the entrance and common areas. The adapted accommodation I identified was in single rooms. Look carefully at the bathroom photographs in the Hotel page I created, it might not be everyone's cup of tea.

The hotel also is an Energy Class A building, has a plastic-free policy and ISO 14001 environmental certification—features I personally appreciate when choosing somewhere to stay.

Location and transport: Campus Sanpaolo is in the San Paolo neighbourhood, outside the historic centre. Its published directions list buses 55 and 56 for Piazza Castello and Porta Susa, and bus 64 for Porta Nuova. The Caraglio stop for bus 64 is approximately 300 metres from the hotel.

On equipped GTT buses, wheelchair users board using a ramp, with assistance from the driver. Boarding depends on the vehicle’s limits and the availability of the designated wheelchair space. I have not verified the complete accessible journey between the hotel and the centre, including individual stops. Consult GTT’s accessibility information (opens in a new tab) when planning your route.

See Hotel Campus Sanpaolo’s information and photos on WheelTribe (opens in a new tab)

NH Torino Centro: closer to the action

On my most recent visit in September 2026, I stayed with a friend at his place. My colleague Julian Montero, founder of Barcelona Zero Limits and a manual wheelchair user, stayed at NH Torino Centro.

The wheelchair entrance has a ramp, which Julian found could be steep to negotiate independently on arrival for someone. Inside, lifts serve the rooms and breakfast area.

The location is useful if you prefer to explore towards the centre without taking a bus. Piazza Castello was approximately half an hour away on our walking and wheeling route.

I have requested photographs of the adapted rooms and will add them if the hotel responds. Until then, contact the property directly for room and bathroom details.

Visit the NH Torino Centro website (opens in a new tab)

Food stops from my visit—and one for next time

Corner Café: a friendly neighbourhood lunch

Near NH Torino Centro, we had lunch at Corner Café (opens in a new tab), (opens in a new tab) a little place with good food and particularly welcoming staff.

During our visit, the outdoor terrace was accessible by wheelchair. A small ramp provided access inside, to navigate one step. It is worth keeping in mind for breakfast, lunch or an aperitivo, depending on where you are staying.

Latteria Bera: zabaglione worth making time for

Our friend Ottavia took Julian and me to Latteria Bera (opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab)for zabaglione topped with freshly whipped cream. This was a very good decision.

The traditional version we tried contains eggs, sugar and passito wine, served with fresh cream. It is neither vegan nor lactose-free.

The shop has a step at the entrance and a narrow doorway with a curtain that can (literally) get in your wheels! During our visit, ordering from outside was possible, offering an alternative for anyone unable to enter. There is a tiny table inside, or you can take your treat away.

Bera is a grocery shop too, with cheeses, cured meats, fresh pasta and plenty of other temptations. Arriving hungry may have consequences for your shopping bag.

Open Baladin Torino: on my list for next time

We did not make it to Open Baladin Torino (opens in a new tab), in Piazzale Valdo Fusi, but it is on my list for another visit. I know and enjoy the Baladin venue in Rome,

Stroll at the Murazzi and visit the Parco del Valentino

For a change of scenery, head towards Piazza Vittorio Veneto and the Murazzi del Po, the riverside promenade known for its bars and places to eat and drink. From the square, sloping ramps near Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I lead down to river level, providing an alternative to the stairways. Bear in mind that the descent means an uphill return which might be better with powered assistance or a helping hand. Most restaurants and bars there have a step free entrance or an outside terrace.

Further south along the same bank of the Po, Parco del Valentino offers a greener side of Turin, with tree-lined avenues, lawns and river views. Stretching between Ponte Umberto I and Ponte Isabella, it is a lovely place to slow down between museum visits, enjoy a picnic or take a longer walk or wheel beside the water. I was lucky and had a glorious sunny weekend, so it was great fun!